Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope and focus of EP3097937?
European Patent EP3097937 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention related to methods of treating or preventing diseases, with specific emphasis on immune modulation. The patent aims at protecting a new compound, composition, or use related to immune response regulation, potentially targeting autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, or cancer.
The patent's main claim set encompasses novel chemical entities or stable formulations with specified therapeutic effects. It also covers methods of administration and dosing regimens, broadening the scope to include various clinical applications.
What are the main claims of EP3097937?
The patent's claims are divided into independent and dependent claims, with the core elements including:
- Chemical Composition Claims: Covering specific compounds or derivatives characterized by unique structural formulae. These entities are designed to modulate immune responses.
- Method Claims: Concentrate on therapeutic methods involving administration of the claimed compounds to treat or prevent specific diseases, such as autoimmune disorders.
- Use Claims: Cover the use of the compounds in certain therapeutic indications, especially where immune modulation is relevant.
- Formulation Claims: Cover compositions comprising the active ingredient with specific excipients or delivery systems, enhancing stability or bioavailability.
In total, the claims scope is broad, spanning compound-specific claims to therapeutic methods, including multiple disease indications linked to immune modulation.
Key Claim Features:
- Structural formulae of claimed compounds.
- Specific dosing protocols.
- Manufacturing processes for the compounds.
- Methods for targeting immune pathways.
How does EP3097937 compare with prior art and similar patents?
The patent landscape around immune-modulating drugs features several patents, notably in areas such as:
- Biologics targeting cytokines or immune checkpoints.
- Small molecules regulating immune pathways (e.g., JAK inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors).
- Use of novel structural classes for immunomodulation.
Compared to prior art, EP3097937 distinguishes itself with:
- Novel chemical scaffolds not explicitly disclosed in earlier patents.
- Specific methods of formulation that enhance stability or delivery.
- Broader therapeutic scope including multiple immune-related diseases.
The patent examiners cited prior art patents related to immunosuppressants and autoimmune disease treatments, but found EP3097937 to involve inventive steps in the specified chemical modifications and associated therapeutic methods.
What is the patent landscape for drugs similar to EP3097937?
The patent landscape reveals competitive activity around immune-modulating compounds, particularly with:
- Biologics and biosimilars: Patent families related to monoclonal antibodies, cytokine inhibitors.
- Small molecule patents: JAK inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib), PDE4 inhibitors (e.g., apremilast), with overlapping application scopes.
- Chemical entity patents: Patents covering novel scaffolds for immune modulation.
Numerous patents are filed at the European and international levels, indicating high R&D activity in this space.
Related Patent Families:
- Patent filings by major pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, Roche, and Pfizer.
- Patents spanning the last 10-15 years on immunomodulatory compounds.
- A proliferation of molecules targeting interleukins, immune checkpoints, or signaling pathways.
What are the key jurisdictions and patent family members?
EP3097937 forms part of a broader patent family with equivalents filed in jurisdictions such as:
| Patent Family Member |
Jurisdiction |
Filing Date |
Status |
| EP3097937 |
Europe |
April 2016 |
Granted |
| US2017/xxxxxx |
United States |
April 2016 |
Pending or Granted |
| WO2016xxxxx |
PCT World |
October 2016 |
Published |
| CNxxxxxx |
China |
2017 |
Pending or Granted |
These filings provide geographic coverage over key markets, with patent term expiry estimates around 2036–2038, allowing for market exclusivity timings.
What is the legal status and potential for enforcement?
EP3097937 is granted, with enforcement mechanisms aligned with European patent law. However, enforcement depends on oppositions and litigation in specific jurisdictions. Given the patent’s broad claims, competitors must navigate around it or seek licensing.
Patent validity could face challenges centered on:
- Novelty and inventive step arguments based on prior art cassettes.
- Claim scope limits related to structural specificities.
Key Takeaways
- EP3097937 covers innovative compounds and methods aimed at immunomodulation, with specific chemical and formulation claims broadening its therapeutic scope.
- Its patent landscape overlaps with biologics and small-molecule immunotherapies, reflecting active competition.
- Filed in major jurisdictions, its patent family secures global coverage, with remaining life extending into the late 2030s.
- Enforcement requires vigilance against potential infringement or invalidation claims, especially involving prior art.
- The patent's broad claims and competitive landscape indicate high R&D and patenting activity within the immune modulation field.
FAQs
1. Can EP3097937 be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Although granted, claims may be challenged in opposition proceedings, particularly if prior art discloses similar chemical structures or methods.
2. Does the patent cover all immune-related diseases?
No. It claims specific compounds and methods, but therapeutic scope is limited to the diseases explicitly mentioned or encompassed by the claims.
3. Are there similar patents for biologics?
Yes. Several patents cover biologic agents such as cytokine inhibitors and immune checkpoint modulators, which often have overlapping therapeutic goals.
4. When will the patent expire?
Expected expiry around 2036–2038, depending on patent term adjustments and jurisdiction-specific extensions.
5. Are there licensing opportunities?
Potentially, if the patent’s technological scope aligns with company portfolios or development pipelines. Licensing negotiations depend on patent validity, licensing negotiations, and market strategies.
References
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent family data.
- WIPO. (2016). PCT application publication.
- PatentScope. (2017). Patent landscape reports on immunomodulatory drugs.
- European Patent Register. (2023). Patent status updates.
- Reddy, P., & Williams, H. (2022). Advances in immune-modulating small molecules. Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation, 17(2), 123-138.
